Effect of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor on hearing

Abstract

Although temporary ototoxicity was noted in four patients, we could not find any permanent, deleterious effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on hearing thresholds.

Viagra deafness—Sensorineural hearing loss and phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors

“…This may be an overestimation, as our analysis showed only 62% of patients developing hearing loss within this time. In support of this temporality, Okuyucu et al8 showed a significant decrease in hearing thresholds within 24 hours of drug ingestion in all affected patients.…”

“…More recently, Okuyucu et al8 have performed the only prospective observational study in humans to date. Eighteen patients who had been using a PDE‐5 inhibitor for ED were studied.…”

“…However, gentamicin, an established ototoxic drug, has been shown to induce unilateral and asymmetrical bilateral hearing loss 28. Furthermore, in the only prospective study to look at PDE‐5 inhibitor ingestion and SSHL, a unilateral threshold decrease was observed in all four patients who suffered ototoxicity 8. This implies that laterality of hearing loss may have little impact on excluding causality in drug induced ototoxicity.…”

“…An epidemiologic study has also suggested a higher risk of hearing loss with PDE‐5 inhibitor use 7. Two successive experimental studies also support a possible causal link 8, 9. Most reports of PDE‐5 inhibitor related SSHL have come from the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) in the United States.…”

Ototoxicity: Old and New Foes

“…In a clinical study, Okuyucu et al [24] reported significant but reversible unilateral hearing loss in four of 18 patients taking PDE5 inhibitors. The hearing loss affected the right ear at 10,000 Hz (p = 0.008).…”